An independent guide to luxury ski chalets
From £17,500 exclusive chalet per week
Elegant ski-in ski-out chalet right
on the slopes of Val d’Isère
usp
Chalet Montana is a superbly located, beautiful chalet which is genuinely ski-in ski-out. It belonged to the Descent International collection, which is an indication of the level of luxury within.
location
The chalet is in Les Carats, the exclusive part of Val d’Isère that consists solely of privately owned chalets and that outlaws tour operators and any branded vehicles. The chalet sits right on the edge of La Face, Val’s rather challenging Olympic black run, making it ski-in ski-out for good skiers but perhaps not so for those who don’t want to tackle this notorious slope. The terrace points east so it gets sunshine from morning to mid-afternoon, and it has an impressive view down across the resort.
style
Upmarket Savoyard, with lots of personal touches by the owner such as family photos, heaps of books and magazines. It is elegant and spacious but also cosy, with plenty of warm wood everywhere and a snug-style dining area with bench seats tucked away in a corner under a giant antler chandelier. ^
rooms
The master suite is separate from the other rooms, above the living space and with its own little staircase. It also has a small office below it, which is fully wired, and an impressive collection of huge cow bells hanging above the bed. The other rooms are all smaller but charming, with built-in wardrobes, and the toiletries are all Jo Malone. ^
food & drink
The food at Montana is totally bespoke. The chef can do Michelin-starred standard cuisine or lasagne or a pizza in front of the telly or vegan or even kosher. Afternoon tea is not just cake but a lot more cheffy, almost like mini meals. The house champagne is Perrier-Jouet, and the chalet sometimes serves His & Hers cocktails outside at a specially built ice bar. A la carte wines are also on offer, as well as upgrades to Perrier-Jouet Blazon Rose and Belle Epoque. ^
service
The staff are the cream of Descent, with lots of experience working on boats and in private houses. They are less hotelly than Descent, however, the feeling being that they don’t have to be standing ready to pounce to wow people. ^
spa facilities
Montana has an excellent-sized spa area with indoor pool which has a swimming jet and raised Jacuzzi section in one corner. There is also a sauna and a massage area that can be sectioned off for privacy. ^
children
The chalet is really set up for little ones. It uses Norland Nannies, the top-of-the-market London nanny company, which supplies staff for use between Montana and its sister chalets within the new Consensio chalet group (for an extra charge). Buggies, high chairs and all the usual kiddie paraphernalia can all also be laid on, and baby packs including baby wipes and Pampers can be arranged too. There is also a great TV mezzanine area for children to play in. ^
extras
Montana specialises in extras. Its staff like to create memorable ‘moments’ for guests, from a surprise cheese fondue in an igloo to a picnic on the piste with fully laid-up table and black-tailed waiter. It is part of their job to do this, and they create at least one ‘moment’ per stay. In-resort 4x4 transport is also available from 8.30am to 11pm every day. ^
for skiers
Montana only works with a small number of instructors and ski guides, and these will come to the chalet to work out the skiing needs of the group. The guides will also book mountain restaurants for lunch. Guests, quite simply, have the whole playground of Espace Killy sitting literally on their doorstep. ^
for non skiers
There is everything from snow shoeing to cross country skiing to ice skating and yoga, pilates and massages back at the chalet. Trips can also be organised to local cheese farms to see how Beaufort is made, and there is a local food market in Val every week on Mondays. ^
best thing
The on-piste location. ^
worst thing
The rooms are not enormous. ^
getting there
Chambéry and Grenoble are probably the nearest airports, but Geneva has the bigger choice of airlines and is more reliable to open in bad weather. The transfer takes around three hours from Geneva, and one hour less from the other two. Montana will arrange all transfers, at an extra cost, and can sort out heli transfers to the Val helipad which is just a four-minute drive from the chalet. ^
bottom line
The chalet can only be booked exclusively and costs from £1386pp per week. ^
bookings & enquiries
If you would like to make an enquiry or a booking, please email enquiries at chicchaletguide.co.uk. Remember, we have visited all the chalets we feature so can give you totally unbiased, independent advice on all of them. The prices we quote are also the list prices quoted by the chalets themselves, so there is no advantage in going to the chalets direct.
Chalet - 9
Service - 9
Room - 87
Food & Drink - 8
Luxury - 8
La Face, the 2009 World Championships men’s downhill, is right on your doorstep. See if you can beat their time!
Quickfinder
• Summer
• USP
* Location
• Style
• Rooms
• Food & Drink
* Service
• Spa Facilities
• Children
• Extras
• Skiers
• Non Skiers
• Best Thing
• Worst Thing
• Getting There
• Bottom Line
• Bookings & Enquiries
• Other chalets in this resort
Bookings and enquiries: enquiries at chicchaletguide.co.uk Telephone:
+44 (0)7772 853996
guest book
"Just a superb opportunity to stay in this magnificent chalet. All the staff were discrete, professional, lovely and friendly. Can we take them home please? 10/10. A1. Thankyou – never forget it!”
“Montana and its awesome team are the best in the Alps! Thanks once again.”
“Wow, what a treat to be here for a week. Thankyou for outstanding service and amazing food and drink. Until next year!"
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